Charles Graham Halpine (1829–1868)

[Miles O’Reilly].  Irish-American soldier and author, born at Oldcastle, Ireland, on the 20th of November 1829; from a Protestant family; graduated at Trinity College, Dublin, 1846; married young, and engaged in journalism. In 1852 he moved to New York, joined the staff of the Herald, and his versatility opened for him the columns of a number of periodicals. He became associate editor of the New York Times, acted as war correspondent during Walker’s filibustering expedition to Nicaragua, which terminated with the death of the adventurer. In 1856 he became part owner of the New York Leader, and made it a success. He also wrote for the New York Tribune, and was the author of the famous abolitionist song:

  At the beginning of the Civil War he enlisted in a New York regiment; was immediately promoted lieutenant, and afterward served on Hunter’s staff with the rank of major. While acting in this capacity he wrote for the New York Herald the series of articles purporting to be the production of one “Private O’Reilly.” He served on General Halleck’s staff, and with Hunter in the Shenandoah Valley, and received the brevet of brigadier-general of volunteers. After the war he edited the Citizen, a New York reform paper, and in 1867 was elected register of New York County by a coalition of the best people in both parties. He died a few months later on the 3rd of August 1868, from an excessive dose of chloroform administered accidentally. His poems were published in volume form under the titles of Lyrics by the Letter H (1854); Baked Meats of the Funeral (1866); and The Poetical Works of Charles G. Halpine (1869).